De facto Islamic Affairs Minister Mujahid Yusof Rawa has condemned underage marriages, saying it defeats the rights of the child and negates the country's nation-building efforts.

Speaking to Malaysiakini, Mujahid called for child marriages to be stopped, and urged for a review of current laws that allow such unions.

"We need to improve the laws by having syariah and civil lawmakers sit together in order to come to a consensus in meeting the contemporary needs for child rights," Mujahid said.

Asked if his ministry would initiate the move, Mujahid said that they were ready to engage with all stakeholders, especially those from the Syariah Judicial Department. 

Mujahid also joined various quarters condemning underage marriages as a form of "child abuse and exploitation of children for sexual pleasure."

He said such children are exploited based on their social status, due to factors such as poverty.

"Unfortunately, our laws permit a girl under 16 years old to marry by getting permission. For (underage) civil law (marriage), they can get permission from the menteri besar.

"We would like to protect our children from being exploited, especially if the marriage is justified in the name of Islam.

"Islam protects children with care and love so they can grow and contribute to the nation's growth," said the minister in the Prime Minister's Department.

Mujahid was asked to comment on Women, Family and Community Development Minister Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail's statement yesterday that the controversial marriage between a 41-year-old man and an 11-year-old girl Gua Musang is "still under active investigation by multiple agencies."

She added that her ministry is coordinating the investigation.

"Our stand is clear and has consistently been the one expressed on July 2. We unequivocally oppose child marriages and are taking steps to raise the minimum age of marriage to 18 years," she was quoted saying in Bernama.